On the outer southern east corner of the archipelago is situated the birds and oldest (about 4,5 million years old) island. Espanola is home of the ancestors of the species that now populate other islands. Its area is 60 sq km (37 sq mi) and its high point at 206m (675 ft) are home of the Mockingbird, waved albatross, blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, Darwin’s finch, and Galapagos hawks and Dove. Also, sea lion colonies and land and hybrid iguanas make the island one of the most specials. Thanks to the cold waters from the Humboldt current and the upwelling created on its flow, Waved Albatross nests on the flat grounds of the island. Scientists and resource managers from the NGO’s and government have been released nearly 2,000 young tortoises. One of the highlights to visit is Punta Suarez Bay, home of sea lions. Another jewel to journey is Gardener Bay beach, its small semi submerged tuff cone located in front of the beach makes perfect place to snorkel with sea lions, reef white-tipped sharks, rays, and variety of colorful reef fish. 

The day starts early in the morning at 6:30 am at your hotel located in Puerto Baquerizo Baquerizo Moreno. You will sail ahead Espanola Island in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. It is located at the south side of the archipelago, 22 miles from San Cristobal Island. Your landing excursion in Punta Suarez engage you to explore the nesting colonies of Nazca boobies and the famous blue-footed boobies, Galapagos hawks, Espanola mockingbirds, three species of Darwin´s finches, and Galapagos doves. Swallow-tailed gulls and red-billed tropicbirds dash in and out of the cracks in the cliffs. Between April and December, travelers can visit an interesting population of waved albatross, as Espanola is their one and only nesting area. There is also possible to watch sea lions and marine iguanas. Meanwhile, you will enjoy watching the amazing landscape of the cliffs and the blow hole. Later on, you will move to Gardner Islet where the bay offers on the best beaches to experience in the Galapagos. Home of three species of Darwin´s finches and mockingbirds. Espanola mockingbirds are fearless and frequently land on visitors´ heads and shoulders in search for food. It is also possible to snorkel among playful sea lions and be astonished by the colorful fishes of the bay. Travelers will refresh themselves while tasting a delicious snack. Then, our adventurers will get the succulent lunch. After all, boat will journey back to San Cristobal.

It is recommended to wear a wetsuit in order to neutralize the sea temperature because it falls under 20ºC from September to December and it is up of 27ºC from January to August. 

Departure: at 6:30 am pick up at your hotel, then departure from Baquerizo Moreno Pier

Returning time: approximately at 5:00 pm

Travel Time: Catamaran/speed boat ride takes around 2.5 hours (August – October the seas can be quite rough). Adventurers with back or neck injuries are not advised to take this journey. 

Difficulty Level: intermediate

Highlight activity: walking and snorkeling

Transportation: Yacht/Catamaran/Speed boat 

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Confirmation and payment policy: Payments are due based on the following schedule. All reservations require a deposit to confirm. 

• 61 to 91+ days in advance      Deposit 30% of program’s cost

• 31 to 60 days in advance      Deposit 50% of program’s cost

• 30 days in advance       Deposit 100% of program’s cost

Cancellation Policy: Reservations are subject to the following cancellation schedule.

• 90+ days before trip           No penalty 

• 60 to 89 days before trip   Fine 30% of program’s cost

• 30 to 59 days before trip     Fine 50% of program´s cost

• 0 to 29 days before trip         Fine 100% of program´s cost

Discounts & benefits:

• For tour leaders is a 50% discount off meals and lodging for groups of 1 – 4 guests. For groups of 5 guests or more, meals and lodging are complimentary. 

• For tour leaders, tour guide, or any companions we don’t offer discounts off navigation journeys.

• Kids under 2 are free. For ages 2 – 6, we offer a 10% discount off of meals, lodging, and navigation journey. Kids aged 7 or older pay the standard rates.

• We don’t offer discounts for senior citizens.

• We may be able to offer additional discounts for tour companies who send tour groups to the Galapagos Islands on a recurring basis. Contact us for more details.  

Recommendations & clarifications:

• It is required the traffic control card issued by Galapagos Governing.

• Guests with medical conditions and/or special dietary restrictions must make them known to us in sufficient time for us to accommodate their request.

• Guests are strongly encouraged to wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes with sturdy, rugged soles.

• Bring sun protection such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat.

• Bring insect repellent. 

• It is recommended to wear a wetsuit in order to neutralize the sea temperature, because it falls below 20ºC from June to November and it can be chilly at times so we recommend also bringing a windbreaker, hat, and scarf.

• Galapagos and Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar as its official currency.

• Most vendors accept cash. We recommend that guests bring U.S. dollars with them if they might want to buy souvenir.

• The prices are according to the double/triple/quadruple room.

• Accommodations in our lodge or boat (cruise) are subject to availability. If the hotel or boat is full, we will arrange for our guests to stay in a hotel or boat of an equivalent category and provide transfers.

• Photography is encouraged always keeping mind the Galapagos National Park Rules for Visitors.

• All itineraries, dining options, accommodations, and journey experiences are subject to change without notice due to factors such as climate conditions, season, host availability, operational issues, and guest security.

• The described species in the program can be encountered during the tours but it is not guaranteed that always will be encountered as it depends on natural factors, climate, seasons, and marine currents.